6 Best Water Mattresses (Review) In 2021

It has probably flown under the radar for you considering you've not paid attention to waterbeds ever in your life. However, modern water mattresses are just as effective as traditional spring box mattresses for easing back pain.

Once upon a time, water mattresses got a bad rap. People believed they were too mobile, which meant you could not get sufficient back support to enjoy a comfortable night's sleep. But, as water mattress technology has evolved, there are few differences between a water mattress and a traditional style if you are looking for back pain relief.

In fact, some people consider water mattresses to be better for back pain compared to other mattress styles. This is because of the water's heat, which can promote blood flow even during the night. This will ensure you can stay more nimble, reducing and hopefully eliminating the strain that you typically feel when waking up every morning.

Sleep experts are still reluctant to recommend water mattresses as a 100% solution for back pain, and they will always recommend using a bed that you find comfortable above all else. Despite this, many people experience back pain because their current bed is too soft, meaning they sink into the mattress which does not offer the right support. With a variety of water mattress types available which can improve motion isolation, some might find that a water mattress is the best option for them if they hope to relieve back pain.

If cared for properly, and if the construction is up to standard, you can expect your waterbed to last 20 years, and perhaps even longer if you take exceptionally good care of it.

But, if there is one thing that will generally put most people off of investing in waterbed mattresses, it is the idea that the vinyl material will tear regardless of how durable the manufacturer claims it is. The last thing you want is to wake up in the middle of the night having sprung a leak considering how much water is required to fill even a small waterbed.

Despite this fear that even experienced waterbed owners experience (as there's always the chance you might nick the material and cause a small puncture), there are a few positives to consider with the durability of waterbeds, too. One primary factor that appeals to owners is that waterbeds won’t sag or dip, even after many years of sleeping in them. This is something that happens with memory foam that becomes too used to your body shape and weight.

Likewise, you don't have the degradation that comes with spring beds, and there's no risk of the springs popping up through the surface in the middle of the night.

With regular maintenance, you are guaranteed to extend the lifespan of your waterbed, whether it is a free flow waterbed, semi waveless model, or waveless waterbed mattress.

The good news is that you should not need to change the water in a waterbed if you plan on keeping it in one place for the entire time you use it. As the waterbed should be permanently sealed, there is no risk of algae, mold, or mildew forming on the inside which could degrade the vinyl in the worst-case scenario, or leave your bedroom smelling slightly too off. You can avoid this entirely by mixing some waterbed conditioner when filling the mattress. Some waterbed models will include a conditioner in the pack, whereas others will require you to purchase the conditioner independently.

However, as water is heavy, so trying to move a waterbed full of water will be tricky to move no matter how much you've hit the gym recently. Because of this, everyone should empty their waterbed before trying to move it.

You will need to drain the waterbed completely, or at least as much as possible. Otherwise, the mattress will be too awkward to move around. While you should still be able to transport the mattress, it will be more effort than it's worth.

To accelerate the draining process, you can use an electrical pump which may come with your waterbed, but also might not depending on the brand. If you have time to wait, you can leave it to drain manually, although you will need to find a place for the water to run off so you don’t overwhelm your bathroom drain or soak your carpets.

One example of useful waterbed mattress features many people don't know about is the ability to set the ambient temperature. These waterbed mattress features are ideal for providing comfort all-year round, delivering an exceptional feeling that guarantees improve sleep quality.

In the winter, a warm mattress can make you feel you're getting a cozy and welcoming hug. It's also useful to activate the temperature as the mercury drops outside, preventing any chills during the night when you weren't expecting it.

In the summer, you can adjust the temperature t0 provide some relief during excessively humid nights where you cannot seem to get comfortable. This versatility is part of what makes waterbed mattresses such an appealing option for many people, even if they never thought they would need or want a waterbed mattress.

As for the optimal temperature, we understand everyone sleeps differently. So, there is no definitive temperature that will suit everybody. Still, the average temperature that enables adults to sleep comfortably is between 60 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit. For waterbed mattresses, this can be a little different depending on the mattress brand and the individual, but you should get a comfortable sleep at somewhere between 85 and 92 degrees Fahrenheit.

When you first use your waterbed, try these temperatures, and if it doesn’t work for you, adjust accordingly.

Maintaining a waterbed mattress by keeping it as clean as possible is the best way for you to extend the lifespan and prevent any issues that could hinder your sleep quality as well as the durability of the mattress.

Here is our short guide for cleaning a waterbed mattress to ensure longevity.

1. Strip The Bed - It sounds obvious, but you should always strip the bed before cleaning it and remove all duvets, pillows, bedsheets, and throws. As you're cleaning the mattress, you may as well clean these, too. Throw all linens in the washing machine while you clean the mattress.
2. Use A Cleaning Agent - As most waterbed mattresses are constructed using vinyl, you should start cleaning the mattress with vinyl cleaning. This is a specialized formula that is designed to clean vinyl effectively without damaging the material. When applying the vinyl cleaner, make sure to follow the safety instructions on the bottle and open the windows to ventilate the room, preventing any light-headedness that could occur from the chemicals. Apply the cleaner to a clean towel and wipe the mattress surface, going over it once or twice. When you are satisfied, wipe away excess moisture with a dry cloth. Other cleaning products are available, but these are not as effective compared to the specialized vinyl cleaner. If you cannot source vinyl cleaner, check with the manufacturer which products make decent alternatives.
3. Dry The Mattress - Before replacing the bed linens, make sure the mattress is entirely dry and give it another wipe down with a cloth if you need to do so. By doing this, you prevent your sheets from becoming damp, which is never pleasant, and you also prevent the risk of mold or mildew forming in the space between the mattress and the sheets.

To ensure you maintain your waterbed properly and keep it in the best condition possible, we recommend you clean the mattress at least once a month, and even more often if you spill something on it.